Every year, many await the arrival of great news. The long wait is over—the results for the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award have been released. “The Journey to Hangtown Haven” by Arthur Edwards has been nominated for this prestigious honor.
The announcement of the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award winners marks a significant milestone in the literary world, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of authors and publishers who embody the spirit of independent thought and creativity. This esteemed award continues to honor the legacy of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by recognizing books of outstanding merit from small, academic, and independent presses—including self-published works.
The award encompasses a range of honors, including the Grand Prize, category winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions across various genres. Additionally, special distinctions—such as the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking books, the da Vinci Eye for superior book cover art, the First Horizon Award for debut authors, and the Medal Provocateur for experimental poetry—further highlight the diversity and excellence within the independent publishing community.
While the Grand Prize is the pinnacle of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the significance of a nomination cannot be overstated. The rigorous judging process ensures that only the most exceptional works rise to the top, with fewer than 10% of nominees becoming category finalists. This distinction not only validates the quality and impact of a book but also provides authors and publishers with increased visibility and credibility in the competitive literary market.
Moreover, the recognition associated with a nomination can lead to broader media exposure, opportunities for speaking engagements, and increased sales. For independent authors and publishers, such acknowledgment can be transformative—opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
This year, “The Journey to Hangtown Haven” by Arthur Edwardshas been nominated for an award. This recognition honors the book’s exceptional literary merit and its contribution to independent publishing. Selected for its originality, depth, and thought-provoking content, the book exemplifies the spirit of the award by offering a unique and compelling voice that resonates beyond mainstream publishing. Whether through powerful storytelling, insightful analysis, or innovative ideas, the work reflects a dedication to intellectual exploration and artistic integrity. Its nomination highlights not only the quality of the writing but also its meaningful impact on readers—staying true to the legacy of Eric Hoffer by encouraging critical thinking and celebrating the independent spirit.
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends “The Journey to Hangtown Haven” by Arthur A. Edwards. Here’s the review from the US Review of Books that highlights:
“Edwards is a retired aerospace engineer and manager who volunteered to help the homeless after his wife encouraged him to do so. His mission, along with many others, was to create a permanent shelter for those in need in California, but politics got in the way and shut it down in 2013. The shelter was known as Hangtown Haven. The author’s account is split into chapters about the volunteers, photos of those who have been helped by the United Outreach (previously known as Hangtown Haven Inc.), and various presentations that were sent to El Dorado County officials. It also includes Edwards’ short autobiography and how he was born during the Great Depression. According to Edwards, the program that was created for the shelter had no taxpayer help.”
Also, “The Journey to Hangtown Haven” by Arthur Edwards is recommended and advertised at American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) page, which empowers people to choose how they live as they age. More than 100 million Americans are aged fifty and older, and people want their money, health, and happiness to last as long as they do. AARP is a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans, which creates real possibilities for enhancing the quality of life for all as we age—not just serving our nearly 38 million members—is the mission. At its heart, the work that AARP and its affiliates do can be summed up in just 12 words: “We fight for and equip each individual to live their best life.”
The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) featured this book in its summer issue Magazine of 2024. Current non-fiction and fiction books are reviewed in The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR), a weekly paper magazine supplement to the Sunday edition of The New York Times (an American daily newspaper with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to be a growing 6 million paid digital subscribers). It is one of the most well-known and significant book reviews in the business.
This masterpiece was also displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference. ALA is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. More than 13,500 attendees gathered in San Diego, CA, for the largest library event in the world. The ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition took place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 28 to July 2. Total attendance was 13,532, with 8,439 of them being attendees and 5,093 being exhibitors, authors, illustrators, press, and staff.
Author Arthur A. Edwards was a naval officer and veteran of the Korean conflict who grew up in Northern California during the Depression and World War II. He studied warfare at the University of California, Berkeley, and has a library full of history books. He is descended from a long line of veterans; two of his great-grandfathers served in the Union Army during the Civil War: a grandfather who tried to enlist in the Spanish-American War and a father who served in the Navy twice, once just as World War I ended and again in World War II.
“The Journey To Hangtown Haven” presents the story of a moving and authentic portrayal of a man’s mission to bring compassion to the homeless. The story delves into the complex interplay between politics, power, and the welfare of the less fortunate. It explores the transformative power of human connection and the extraordinary difference that ordinary individuals can make when they unite for a common cause.
It exposes the stark divide between political promises and the lived experiences of homeless individuals, challenging the audience to question the priorities of those in authority. Shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the homeless population while emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
His other books are The War We Almost Lost: How We Came Close To Losing World War II and War is Hell: A Tale of War and One Man’s Search for Meaning. Visit Arthur A. Edwards’ website at https://arthuredwardsbooks.com/.
In partnership with Author Reputation Press, Arthur A. Edwards held a successful book signing event during the 2024 Los Angeles Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California. The Los Angeles Times held its much-awaited annual Festival of Books on April 20–21, 2024. The LATFOB is considered to be one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held every year since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.
He was interviewed by CBS Radio’s host, Benji Cole. People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Also, he was interviewed in the Author Spotlight Interview, which is for authors to share their stories and inspire others in a more personal interview, where readers will be encouraged to become leaders. Get to know more about the author and his work as you watch the full interview below:
This book has also released a book trailer to drive readers into reading the book. Watch the trailer here:
Judging for this year’s award has officially concluded, and we’re pleased to share the final results. You can view the winners by visiting the Eric Hoffer Award page at: